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Polystichum munitum (Sword fern)
2 hours care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
1.2m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Polystichum munitum
Other names
Sword fern, Western sword fern, Aspidium munitum, Polystichum munitum var. incisoserratum, Aspidium munitum var. incisoserratum, Polystichum solitarium
Genus
Polystichum Polystichum
Species
P. munitum - P. munitum is a large, evergreen fern with narrow, leathery, lance-shaped, pinnate, dark green fronds.
Polystichum munitum is: Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
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Where to grow
Polystichum munitum (Sword fern) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.2m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Foliage only, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Waterside, Wildflower, Woodland
Cultivation
Will perform best in cool, fertile, acidic, shaded soils. Do not allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Polystichum munitum
Other names
Sword fern, Western sword fern, Aspidium munitum, Polystichum munitum var. incisoserratum, Aspidium munitum var. incisoserratum, Polystichum solitarium
Genus
Polystichum Polystichum
Species
P. munitum - P. munitum is a large, evergreen fern with narrow, leathery, lance-shaped, pinnate, dark green fronds.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Polystichum munitum (Sword fern) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.2m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Foliage only, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Waterside, Wildflower, Woodland
Cultivation
Will perform best in cool, fertile, acidic, shaded soils. Do not allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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